On the evening of November 4, an engaging event took place featuring poet Kate Baer, whose latest collection, How About Now, has just been released. This fourth book explores intricate themes of friendship, marriage, parenting, and the passage of time, imbued with existential reflection.
During the discussion, Baer described herself as an open book. Her transparency was evident, particularly in her poem titled At Pelvic Floor Therapy. She remarked, “Whenever you express your truth, people resonate with it and often respond with, ‘Me, too.’” The audience responded enthusiastically, engaging in thoughtful questions.
A delightful evening filled with poetry
To enhance the experience, Williamsburg Pizza provided snacks before the talk, fostering a warm atmosphere. This thoughtful gesture set the stage for a night of connection through poetry. A video capturing our conversation is available below, although the moment I attempted to initiate a wave with the audience did not make the cut.
Highlights from the conversation
Initially, the audio presented some challenges, but improved after adjusting the microphones. Here are notable moments from our talk:
- 12:16– Discussing the milestone of turning 40
- 13:52– Baer reciting her poemFrog Queen
- 14:33– A humorous exchange about the quirks of preteens and teenagers
- 15:32– A light-hearted moment involving Freddie standing up
- 17:22– Another reading, this time fromOne Day
- 18:26– Mention of aLily Allenalbum that resonated with her
- 20:09– Baer elaborating on being an open book
- 21:08– Discussion about her favorite lines from the book
- 22:22– A fun lightning round about her pets and her playlist
- 27:45– Insights on planning trivia nights and themed parties
Looking ahead: Future events
Reflecting on this memorable evening, potential future events in cities such as Boston and Minneapolis are already being considered.
More from Kate Baer
Additionally, I have gathered reflections on how Kate Baer is embracing her 40s, turning it into a decade of growth and creativity. Her poetry, which resonates with themes of motherhood and the chaos of raising young children, reflects a shared experience that many can relate to.
The evening evoked memories of my own mother’s recent visit, where we exchanged book suggestions and cultural garments, such as kurtas. This connection enriches our relationship, similar to the evening spent with Baer, where shared experiences and laughter brought everyone closer together.